PUK President Reaffirms Kurdish Unity on Anniversary of 1 February Bombings

PUKMEDIA

PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani.

Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), marked the anniversary of the 1 February bombings by stressing the importance of Kurdish unity in the face of terrorism and intimidation.

In a statement issued on the occasion, President Bafel recalled the attacks that targeted the headquarters of the PUK and a branch of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). 

“On the anniversary of the 1 February bombings that targeted the headquarters of the PUK and a branch of the KDP, we lay wreaths at the graves of our martyrs, cadres and supporters from both parties,” he said.

Emphasising the shared destiny of the Kurdish people, he added: “As Kurds, we share a common destiny. We therefore reaffirm our commitment to act with a unified Kurdish spirit to protect our higher national goals and to confront terrorism and intimidation.”

President Bafel concluded by reaffirming the importance of unity and solidarity, stating: “On this solemn occasion, we renew our commitment to partnership, brotherhood and unity, in the service of our people, our land and our nation.”

On 1 February 2004, on the first day of Eid al-Adha, al-Qaeda terrorists carried out two coordinated suicide bombings in Erbil, targeting the headquarters of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). The attacks resulted in the martyrdom of 105 officials and civilians, with hundreds more injured. Those killed had gathered to mark the first day of Eid al-Adha, a time traditionally associated with peace, tolerance and celebration.



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